Accident Won't Sink Rollin Transport: Season Kicks Off in Michigan City

Key West, Florida, USA - The thrill of offshore racing is once again in the air as teams prepare for the upcoming competition season. A stirring update comes from Vinnie Diorio, the 45-year-old owner and throttleman of the Super Cat-class Rollin Transport team. Recently, Diorio had planned to kick off the season at the Lake of the Ozarks in Central Missouri. However, a serious automobile incident last Wednesday sent him on a new path. A driver ran a red light, causing a collision with Diorio’s truck. Luckily, Diorio and his family escaped injury, though he is dealing with some back pain, while his wife, Danielle, has slight neck discomfort. Their children, Francesca (13) and Vincenzo (7), emerged unscathed. Unfortunately, the incident left their truck—only 4,000 miles old—significantly damaged.

With the unfortunate start to the year, Diorio and his team are shifting gears to prepare for their upcoming competition at the XINSURANCE Great Lakes Grand Prix in Michigan City, Indiana, scheduled from July 28 to August 2. This event will also mark Diorio’s first race alongside his new driver, Sean Conner. Conner is no stranger to competitive racing, having previously teamed up with throttleman Shaun Torrente in the Super Stock-class S2 Powerboats catamaran. As for Diorio’s former driver, Matt Jamniczky, he is now with Torrente in the High-Teck Deck Super Stock cat.

A Season of New Beginnings

The Michigan City event is just the beginning of a packed race calendar for the Rollin Transport team. Following the Great Lakes Grand Prix, they will head to the Midwest Challenge in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, from August 8-10, and then on to the inaugural Chicago Grand Prix from August 29-31. The championship will culminate in the Race World Offshore Key West Offshore World Championships from November 2-9. The excitement is palpable as the team gears up for these major events, showcasing high-octane action along the water.

Across Florida, the offshore racing community is buzzing with the announcement of various events, as highlighted by the Powerboat Racing World. Racing kicked off in Cocoa Beach in late May and will continue with the Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix at the end of June, celebrating its 38th anniversary. In August, the series will move to Indiana for the Michigan City Great Lakes Grand Prix, further enriching the racing calendar.

The Importance of Safety in Racing

As thrilling as these races may be, the reality of safety in motorboat racing can’t be overlooked. Over the years, incidents have occurred that remind the racing community of the inherent risks. A glance at the unfortunate history of the sport reveals a series of accidents leading to fatalities, involving names like Jack Cooper and Ryan Butler. Such occurrences underline the crucial importance of safety protocols and measures in enhancing the sport. As the adrenaline rushes and engines roar, the safety of drivers, teams, and spectators must remain a top priority in all racing events.

With a blend of fresh talent, rigorous planning, and a focus on safety, the upcoming season promises excitement and high stakes on the water. The Rollin Transport team faces new challenges but remains resolute in their pursuit of victory in the fast-paced world of offshore racing. Let’s rally behind them and all participants in this exhilarating sport, wishing them a safe and successful season ahead.